Catherine Belinda Finn (born 16 December, 1864 in Cork – 8 March, 1932, London) was the only daughter of Eugene Finn (MD, born in Kanturk) and his wife Belinda McCarthy (originally from Newcastle, Limerick). She learned to play chess from her mother who accompanied her to her tournaments until her death in 1906. The family moved to London, and Kate Finn build up her chess career after her father’s death (in the 1890s).
She participated and won several tournaments between 1897 and 1911 she become the first British Women’s Chess Champion in 1904 (one of the first events organised by the British Chess Federation), and she defended her title next year. She was a founding member of the Ladies Chess Club. In her later years, her eyesight diminished and her overall health deteriorated. Despite that, she played in team competitions for the Imperial Chess Club in the London League until 1931. Unfortunately, there are little to know about her life. Nonetheless, she was a modern woman, living on her own terms, competing at the highest levels. She dedicated her life to play chess until her death.
Her solid playing style can be analysed through one of her games played on the 1st British Women Championship:
